http://208.122.219.133/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/streamate-recruiting-logo-300x100.png00Vanessa Evehttp://208.122.219.133/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/streamate-recruiting-logo-300x100.pngVanessa Eve2018-03-14 17:05:022018-03-14 17:10:45QOTD: "I'm a new cam model... how much should I charge?"

In this segment, we’re talking tips about lighting and ambiance in your cam room! Just like filters on Instagram, a great lighting concept when you’re on cam is so necessary. Stay tuned after our tips as we select live cam rooms on Streamate at random to observe different lighting concepts and cam “environments” across the site.

In this tutorial, we walk you through setting up the (Streamate) SMBroadcast Encoder from start to finish.

(Note: example has been performed on a Mac- if you are using a PC, set-up may vary slightly from what you see in this video.)

We will show you how to download the SMBroadcast software and start your live cam show using SMB on the Streamate Network. Successful use of an Encoder while streaming live will grant you priority placement on Streamate, and will enhance your customers’ experience.

Have questions about getting started? Email Vanessa at modeling@streamate.com or DM us on Twitter @streamatemodels.

You conducted hours of online research. You read countless reviews and opinions about different cam platforms, studied other models for weeks, and you finally decided to give it a shot. You took the perfect selfie for your bio, thoughtfully wrote out your profile details, and you completed your new model registration. After anxiously awaiting confirmation, you receive an email saying that you’re now approved to begin streaming ‘live.’ But now what? Do you simply turn on your webcam and log in? You’re determined to start off on the right foot, but how should you go about it?

To continue our ‘Basics’ series (as seen on Instagram), we’re giving you our New Model Checklist to ensure that you’re kicking off your new live cam endeavor on Streamate in top-notch shape. So onto the good stuff…

Note your profile link. If you are on social media, or you are planning on creating social media accounts, blogs, or otherwise that are related to your webcam persona, use your profile link to promote your shows and direct new members to sign up in order to watch your paid shows. The plus? You’ll receive a 40% higher payout any time that your referred members (who signed up through your profile link) spend any money on you, and a 20% share when they spend money on other models. The higher payout will be noted accordingly on your Earnings Report. Cool huh? Your profile link is as follows: www.INSERTPERFORMERNAMEHERE.cammodels.com .

Download and use an Encoder to enhance your viewers’ live streaming experience while also giving yourself a boost in placement on the site. Streamate will automatically grant priority placement (the page/position where your profile appears on the site) to models who are successfully streaming using an Encoder. There are currently 3 Encoders that Streamate promotes for a higher-quality, HD experience: Streamate’s built-in Internal Encoder, SMBroadcast, and FMLE (Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder). Here’s a tip: you’ll be granted higher placement using either of the latter two Encoder options. You can learn more about and find download instructions for any of these options by going to the SUPPORT tab on your account dashboard>Streaming Guide.

Get your lighting situation on-point. Most people cam from their bedroom, but the lighting concept in that space can be pretty dim for ‘live cam standards’. Although it’s nice to create a sultry atmosphere, inadequate lighting during your cam shows could interrupt the experience for both your viewers and yourself: viewers may not be able to see you clearly from their end, and too low of lighting can cause the frame rate (fps) on your cam to drop, which is not a good thing since it could also cause interruptions with your stream. Follow our handy guide for “Effective Lighting for Live Cams” here.

Have a list at the ready of things that you are comfortable with doing in your paid shows. It’s inevitable that you will receive all sorts of requests from your customers- some outlandish, some taboo, some that are strange or that you are unfamiliar with. Before you get started on cam, have a clear idea of things that you are and aren’t willing to do during your cam shows so that you’ll know how to proceed whenever you are confronted with these types of requests in real-time. Don’t be afraid to try new things, but what’s important is that you are comfortable with what you’re doing, and you are doing what YOU want to do.

Set your schedule. Consistency as a new cam model is a huge determining factor for long-term success. Also, the time that you put in per month also factors into your overall placement on the site. Draw up a realistic weekly schedule and stick to it for the next 2 weeks. After your first 2 weeks, assess how that schedule worked for you and if it was realistic. If there’s room to increase, or if you feel that you need to scale back, then do so and stick to a revised schedule for the following 2 weeks. Make your schedule work for you without overwhelming yourself. Remember that as a new model on SM, you will be granted 30 days of “New Model” status- take advantage of this time and additional exposure while you have it.

Get your computer running at its optimum performance level for streaming. This can include running a disk cleanup, deleting unnecessary programs that take up additional memory, emptying your recycling bin, backing up your existing files, and checking that you have an up-to-date anti-virus program. Also, whichever browser you choose to use, be sure that you are running the most current version. This type of regular “maintenance” will only enhance the live cam experience for yourself and your customers.

Props and outfits- have them ready to go! The last thing you’d want to do is keep your guests waiting so that you could scramble to find those specific heels or that toy in the closet somewhere. Guests are being charged in paid chat, so if you are taking several minutes to search for something, there’s a good chance that they will leave, and that’s a missed opportunity for revenue.If you already have toys, props, or outfits that you plan on using in your shows, have them easily accessible to you. If possible, set these props up in the background so that they are visible to your guests.

Have fun! 😉

If you’re an independent Streamate model, and you have questions about any of the points mentioned in this post, please email Vanessa at modeling@streamate.com.

If you’re in the throes of research as a new or potential cam model, you may quickly find yourself drowning in a sea of information.

Becoming a successful cam model will involve making a commitment based on what works best for yourself and your personal schedule. Through working with new models over the years, I’ve run the gamut of all of the various scenarios between independent and studio models. Allow me to highlight some of the things that you should be aware of in order to make an informed decision.

THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT WAYS TO SIGN UP FOR A CAM SITE:

Directly through the cam site

Through a third-party affiliate cam studio

Let’s elaborate a bit more on the 2 methods of sign-up above.

DIRECTLY THROUGH THE CAM SITE

Most major cam sites will have a link for new models to sign up on their actual, main website. The same goes for their official social media profile(s). In most cases, models who sign up directly will be considered ‘independent’ models. This means that you are not classified as working for/within a studio, and there are no third-parties involved outside of the actual cam site when it comes to managing you or your account.

As an ‘independent’ model, you are entitled to the full performer payout % (your share of your earnings after the cam site’s share has been deducted).

You work directly with the cam site in order to manage your account or for general support inquiries: the site’s staff has specialized knowledge on how to best assist you

CON’s

You are responsible for providing your own equipment/internet/space in order to stream (not always easily accessible for newcomer’s)

Less personalized experience

Though sites provide new models with information, training and development are usually left to the individual model’s own devices

THROUGH A THIRD-PARTY AFFILIATE CAM STUDIO

It is common for major cam sites to have third-party affiliates who recruit new models for them. These affiliates create studios. The actual “studio” can be virtual (where the model works remotely, or apart from the studio manager), or a physical brick-and-mortar (where the model physically works from a building/office/structure as designated by the studio manager). Models may choose to sign up through a studio to utilize their services. Services may vary between studios.

Generally, studios will provide services to their models in exchange for a share of their earnings. Services may include such things as assistance with signing up on a cam site, answering questions, technical troubleshooting, promotion, branding, getting set up to begin streaming, training, payment, providing equipment/Internet/space to cam, providing props or toys, etc.

For studio models, their studio manager will deduct a percentage of their earnings for as long as they are active and generating earnings on their account. From what I have seen in the past, studio shares can vary depending on the services that they are providing and/or their preferences. The studio % can range anywhere between 3 – 15% or higher. Studio models are commonly paid by their studio managers directly.

Having a direct point of contact to defer to for help/personalized experience

Access to resources (equipment, Internet, camming space, etc.), as provided by some studios

New model training and development (varies between studios)

CON’s

Insufficient knowledge or inexperience with the cam platform they are recruiting for (in some cases)

Complex processes if a model decides to depart from the studio or terminate her contract

Unregulated and varying levels of assistance and support among studios

TIPS

DO verify in advance that the site that you are signing up on is the actual cam site, or if it is an affiliate studio/white label.

DO pay close attention to the fine print. Ask for a copy of the studio’s contract. If there is no formal contract, establish the answers to important questions regarding your business and make sure that you retain documentation (ex: emails, text convo’s, copy of online ads, etc.).

DO keep in mind that all cam sites are different. What works well for one model may not work for another.

DO verify any online ads prior to signing up. If an advertisement is seeking cam models, ask them which site(s) they recruit for, and do some research from there.

DO consider feedback from other current models regarding cam sites, studios, etc.

DON’T give out personal information until you have verified that the site or studio is legitimate.

DON’T sign up for various cam sites UNTIL you have first done your research.

DON’T settle for the first enticing offer. Be sure to explore all of your options in order to figure out what works best for you.

http://streamaterecruiting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/PICTURE_MONDAY06262017_SIGNINGUPFORCAMSITE-2-e1498491428626.png6221200Vanessa Evehttp://208.122.219.133/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/streamate-recruiting-logo-300x100.pngVanessa Eve2017-06-26 08:00:032017-06-26 16:10:48BASICS - Signing up for a Cam Site